Caster



mi f

E. "r. HARRIS Jilly 16, 1929.

Filed Mayl 13, 1926 Patented July 16, 1929.

UNITED STATES ELIJAH T. HARRIS, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

CASTER.

Application filed May 13,

This invention relates to casters and has for one object to provide a new and improved device of this description. The invention has as a further object to provide a. caster wherein the caster s indle will be securely held in the socket and) this socket be securely held in the receiving part so that it cannot easily be thrown out of alignment. The invention has as a further object to provide a caster wherein the socket for the caster spindle may be adjusted to fit receiving devices of varying sizes. The invention has further objects which are more particularly pointed out in the accompanying descripis tion.

Referring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 is a view in part section showing one form of caster embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a View similar to Fig. 1 in part section showin the parts after adjustment has been made for a smaller receiving device;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view in part section showing the caster separate from the receiving device;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4 4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 5 5 of Fig. 3.

Like numerals refei to like parts throughout the several figures.

Referring now to thedrawings, the caster is provided with a wheel 1 which is rotatably mounted in the frame 2 to which is connected the spindle 3 which projects into the socket 4. Some means is provided for holding the spindle against longitudinal movement in the socket but permitting rotary movement therein. In the construction shown, the spindle is provided near o'ne end with a reduced portion 5. The socket f1 is provided with an opening into which is received a holding piece 7 which normally engages the reduced portion 5 so as to hold the spindle 3 into position and prevent its dropping out under ordinary conditions or by its own weight.- The holding device is arranged so that the spindle can be pushed into the secket or withdrawn from the socket by applying force to the spindle. In order to permit this the holding piece 7 is engaged by a spring member 8 which is fastened to the socket 4 in any desired manner as by means of the fastening device 9; When the spindle is pushed in the fastening piece 7 is pushed outwardly, the spring giving to permit this and when the enlarged end 9 of the spindle 1926. Serial N0. 108,849.

passes by the fastening piece, the s ring then forces the fastening piece inwar ly so that it engages the reduced portion 5, This holds the spindle against accidental removal and yet permits its rotation in the socket. In the particular construction herein illustrated the fastening piece 7 is shown as a ball and the spring 8 is provided with an opening smaller in diameter than the ball into which a portion of the ball is received. The socket 4 is provided at its lower end with an engaging member 10 vwhich is adapted to engage the tube or receiving member 11 attached to the device in connect-ion with which the caster is to be used. i

This engaging member 10 is of such size as to closely fit the receiving member 11 but is preferably slightly smallerV in diameter than the interior diameter of this member.

I prefer' also to provide the engaging member 12 near the top of the caster socket. The caster socket is also provided with means which elastically engage the interior of the receiving member 11.V In the construction shown, this socket is provided with spring members 13 and 14. These spring members are preferably arranged so as to have four parts which engage the receiving member. As herein shown, they consist of two members of spherical shape with a portion of the members omitted so that four ends are formed which can be moved toward or from each other when pressure is applied thereto. The member 13 passes through openings 15 and 15a in the socket and the member 14 passes through openings 16 and 16 in the socket. The members are connected together where they cross b means of a suitable fastening piece 17. spindle 3 is provided and as herein shown consists of the piece 18 insideV of the socket and which closely fits the socket. Some means is provided for preventing the stop 18 from being pushed out of the socket. As herein shown, this is accomplished by a shoulder 19 which is formed by compressing or distorting the socket at the upper end. I prefer also to provide a spreading member 20 for the springs which consists of a washer surrounding the socket. The upper end of the socket is expanded so as to prevent this washer from sliding olf the socket. The socket is also provided with a closing piece 21 which closes the end of the receiving member 11 when the spindle is inserted therein.

In Fig. 1, I have shown a device arranged stop for the end of the f :tor a receiving member much larger in diameter than the spindle. Then it is desired to use the caster in connection with a receiving member et' a different size, it is only necessary to change the engaging members 10 and 12 tor members ot the proper size to be received into the receiving element.

In Fig. 2, I have shown the saine caste-r arranged for a. receiving elementA much smaller in diameter wherein the 4engaging' members have been replaced by l0 and 12 et smaller diameter. In this event the spring spreading member 20 and the closing piece 1fL are also smaller in diameter than those shown in Fig. l.

Y It will be seen that by means of this coiistruction, the vdevice an 4be readily adapted for receiving elements of any desired size and that wlienpla-eed in such receiving ele.- ments the 4caster will be held securely and there is no danger of it being thrown out ot vertical alignment or distorted Vor of its ac if dental dropping out. v

It will further be seen that only one size .of spindle springs and socket is necessary `for any size ot receiving element thereby greatly cheapening the manufact-ure and ivin the device a larve range o't" ada it :n n l yability and use.

Y I have-described in detail a particular device embodying the invention but it is oi' `course evident that the partsmay vary in .many particulars withoutdeparting troni the spirit of the inventionas embodied in the claims hereto appended and I therefore do not limit myself to the particular constructionvshown.

I claim: Y

. l. A easter comprising a wheel, a'lspindle with which said wheel is connectecha socket forming a part of the caster adapted to be inserted into a receiving element fof the dcvice with which the caster is used and in which said spindle is received, a spring connected with the upper end of said socket and which projects upwardly therefrom adapted to engage .the receiving element, into which the socket is received.

21A caster comprising a wheel, a spindle with which said Wheel is connected, a socket forming a part ot' the caster adapted to be inserted into a receiving element of the deduced portion near its inner end, a holding piece adapted to engage said reduced portion .and prevent the accidental removal of the spindle from the socket, said holding piece projecting through the socket, anda spring member engaging said Vholding piece sopas l,

to permit it to be moved by the pressure ot the spindlev on the fastening piece to permit the spindie to be inserted inand withdrawn 'from the socket. i

si. A caster comprising a spindle, a socket therefor, two spring members atan angle to eachother and which pass through openings in the upper end of said socketv and which are bent upwardly to bringtheir 'tree vends into proximity. i j i i 5. ik caster comprising a spindle, a socket therefor, tvo spring members at an angle to each other and which pass through openings in the upper end ofV said socket and which are lient upwardly to bring their tree ends into proximity, said springswhen vnormally expanded extending a considerable distance on the 'opposite sides of the socket, said springs adapted to bef compressed so as to permit the socket to be used in connection with reeeivingeleineiits ot different sizes.

(i4-.A caster comprising a spindle, a wheel connected withsaid spindle, a socket for said spindle, a reduced portion on said spindle,

an opening in said socket opposite said reduced portion, a bail extending through said opening and engaging said spindle at the reduced portion and `a spring surrounding said socket and engaging said loose piece.

Signed at Chicago, county of Cook, and Sta-te of Illinois, this itteentli day or" April,

, ELIJAH rr. HARRIS. 

